This webinar explores the role of wildland fire in whitebark pine ecosystems and the possibility of using fire to restore declining forests. Fire regimes are first discussed, both in the past and what is projected for the future. Then the characteristics of whitebark pine that allow it to survive fires will be detailed. We will then discuss the use of prescribed burning for restoration of whitebark pine ecosystems, along with management strategies for wildfires.

Presented by:

Sharon Hood, Ph.D.

Sharon Hood is a Research Ecologist at the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station Fire Sciences Lab in Missoula, MT. She studies tree mortality from fire, fire and bark beetle interactions, pine defenses, and treatment effectiveness to improve forest resilience to disturbances and stress. She received a BS in Forestry from Mississippi State University, a MS in Forestry from Virginia Tech, and a PhD in Organismal Ecology from the University of Montana.

Robert E. Keane, Ph.D.

Robert E. Keane is a Research Ecologist Emeritus with the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station at the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory. He received his B.S. degree in forest engineering from the University of Maine, Orono; his M.S. degree in forest ecology from the University of Montana, Missoula; and his Ph.D. degree in forest ecology from the University of Idaho, Moscow. He has conducted research in restoration of whitebark pine ecosystems for three decades.